How To Start a Career in Construction

There has never been a better time to get into the construction industry. The salaries are higher than ever before, advanced robotic technology has made work easier, and there’s a shortage of skilled labor. In fact, only 3% of young Americans are considering a career in construction, with most of them saying they’d prefer a job that is not too physically demanding. That means companies like LJM Construction Inc are always on the lookout for fresh talent.

Whether you have prior industry knowledge or not, there are numerous job opportunities in the construction industry. If you’re considering a career in construction but aren’t sure where to begin. Visit fore more details https://aesperonconstruction.sg

Make Sure You Really Want the Career

Many people get into the construction industry when younger then change their minds somewhere along the line. Most of them turn to website development as an alternative because it is also a skill-based job with the promise of high pay. This dramatic career swap rarely works the way you envisioned it to be.

So, start by looking at your interests. Do they align with the construction industry? Maybe you liked playing with legos or painting as a kid. That’s a great sign right there. However, if you were the type of kid who spent a lot of time on video games, a career in construction might not be your best option.

Are you a team player? If so, you can go for a project management role, plumbing career, or become an interior designer. If you are not, you might want to go for a plant operator position or a degree in architecture. These two careers still require some level of collaboration with other professionals, but it’s nothing compared to what a project manager handles every day.

Ideally, choose a career path that suits your personality, interests, and style. Doing anything else might lead to a career change, and those can be problematic.

Get Certified

So you have a career path in mind. Now it’s time to take action. There are many ways to break into the industry, including on-site training. But you might want to start with going to college if you are in a position to do it. A degree will put you in a decision-making position, and those are playing really well these days.

However, most people break into the construction industry through apprenticeship. Then proceed to get certifications while still working, such as the OSHA training, NCEES, and ACI certification. Of course, there are more certs you can get, and they are all designed to push your construction career forward.

Take Directions Seriously

Like most workplaces where safety is a big concern, communication is key. There will always be someone in charge of safety in a construction site, and they usually give clear instructions on handling dangerous situations. This is especially true when they are dealing with less experienced team members. The last thing you want is to get injured or damage property because you don’t listen to instructions. 

So, if the project manager insists that you wear safety boots and a helmet every time you step into the workplace, please follow those instructions. You might also want to stay away from alcohol and other drugs that impact your judgment.

Keep a Positive Attitude

Upholding a positive attitude towards your career is one of the easiest ways to get ahead. You want to be flexible and punctual most of the time. That’s because most safety training and briefings happen in the morning. And most PMs will send late workers straight home.

Reputation is everything in the construction space. You want people to know you as the dependable guy who always shows up on time and delivers. That puts you at a higher chance of being considered for another project or even staying long enough to see how the current one ends.

Network With Professionals

Few people in the construction industry take the time to network, and that’s where they go wrong. Ideally, you want to follow successful construction companies, project managers, and any other potential partners. You can exchange recommendations and end up making good money. For example, having electrician friends can help your plumbing business a lot.

If you build the right connections, you might even get inside information on contracts and other lucrative jobs before even they get to the jobs board. That could give you an edge over the competition as you will submit a proposal before everyone else.

Everything considered, your idea of going into construction is valid. But it won’t be easy. You will need to prove yourself to many people, go back to school and probably build a business in the construction space. That said, it’s time to take action!